It’s Saturday and that means it is time to reflect on the week and celebrate things both big and small. Join our community and celebrate this week by linking up or just stopping by the host Ruth Ayres’ blog to read others’ celebrations.
My Classroom
This was the first week in the school year that we made it through the whole week without anyone storming out of the classroom or having a meltdown and needing to be removed. In fact, a couple days this week we actually got through all of the learning that I had planned. This is huge! I have been slowly and calmly working to earn the trust of my most needy students. I am working to chip away at their knee-jerk reactions and impulse to talk back and argue about everything. I am coaxing them to give things a try and work to develop a growth mindset. And we are making progress. It is slow progress, but it is happening.
There is never a day in my classroom in which we achieve full silence. There are just too many kids that can’t do it. Someone somewhere in the room is wiggling or making noise at all times. So it isn’t surprising that when kids are starting to gain confidence with something, they loudly call it out. Our math lessons this week were joyfully noisy, because those impulsive kiddos were starting to understand the area model that we have been working on and then loudly proclaiming their success. I worked hard to patiently admonish them for their outbursts, while at the same time celebrating with them those successful moments that are much-needed boosts to their confidence.
I also want to celebrate the exuberant noise of our board game time. It gets loud. Very loud. But, through the noise, we learn to play with each other without conflict. We learn to have fun with classmates that may not be the people we play with outside for recess. We spend time enjoying our community.
I added a gratitude box to our daily reflection sheet and I loved some responses this week.
Last, but certainly not least, I want to celebrate the love that I am showered with every day. I must’ve received at least 20 pieces of student artwork this week. I can’t remember the last time I had a class with so many students so eager to draw me pictures and write me notes and cards. It is a reminder about the fact that sometimes the most difficult students are the ones that need the most love.
At Home
I am just celebrating a nice weekend with nothing special planned. I enjoy the time to relax and rejuvenate.
What do you have to celebrate this week? I would love to hear from you in the comments!
Purposeful noise is a wonderful thing in any classroom – sounds like you have an exuberant bunch!
I know what you mean about the noise. They need it. And the beautiful thing is you see it for the joyful learning it is. That’s why they send you those love notes. They get it too! Beautiful students, beautiful teacher.
Purposeful noise. Joyful noise. All part of learning.
Nothing special planned weekend sounds just right after a busy school week.
Hurray for slow progress and notes from students!
Wonderful reasons to celebrate this week! You show patience, love and understanding for your students and are teaching them important life lessons. Keep swimming!
Ah, the hum of noise in the classroom marks a joyful learning opportunity.